Claims
[1] An impact absorption-type protective guard for a post structure, comprising: a plurality of elastic columns disposed around the post structure; a plurality of surrounding panels, each of the surrounding panels being provided between the adjacent elastic columns to surround the post structure, with an impact absorption protrusion provided on an inner surface of each of the surrounding panels and elastically contacting the post structure; and a plurality of connection panels surrounding the respective elastic columns and coupling the adjacent surrounding panels to each other, thus supporting the elastic columns around the post structure in cooperation with the surrounding panels.
[2] The impact absorption-type protective guard according to claim 1, wherein a flowerpot support part is provided in each of the elastic columns to support a flowerpot, a water storage space is formed below the flowerpot support part to contain water therein, and a wick is provided between the flowerpot and the water storage space to supply water in the water storage space into the flowerpot.
[3] The impact absorption-type protective guard according to claim 1, wherein an advertising sheet mounting unit is provided on each of the surrounding panels, so that an advertising sheet is removably mounted to the surrounding panel via the advertising sheet mounting unit.
[4] The impact absorption-type protective guard according to claim 1, wherein a reflector is formed on each of the connection panels to attract attention of a driver or a pedestrian and to indicate a boundary between a roadway and a sidewalk.
[5] The impact absorption-type protective guard according to claim 1, wherein height adjustment units are provided on lower ends of the surrounding panels and/or lower ends of the connection panels to adjust heights of the surrounding panels and the connection panels.
[6] The impact absorption-type protective guard according to claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of cover panels covering respective upper open spaces defined between the post structure, the elastic columns and the surrounding panels, wherein each of the cover panels has a locking stopper that is held by the associated surrounding panel, and a water passing hole to guide water into the associated water storage space, and the adjacent cover panels are coupled to each other by a locking piece. |
Description
IMPACT ABSORPTION-TYPE PROTECTIVE GUARD FOR
POST STRUCTURES
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates, in general, to impact absorption-type protective guards for post structures and, more particularly, to an impact absorption-type protective guard which can be removably mounted around various kinds of post structures, such as electric poles or lampposts, which are placed at sides of roads, thus absorbing outside impact, thereby protecting the post structure as well as a pedestrian, a driver and a vehicle causing the collision.
Background Art
[2] Generally, various kinds of post structures, such as electric poles or lampposts, are placed at sides of roads, that is, at boundaries between roadways and sidewalks.
[3] The post structures placed at sides of roads are vulnerable to being struck by pedestrians or vehicles. If a pedestrian or a vehicle collides with such a post structure, the pedestrian or the driver may be injured or the vehicle may be damaged, and, in addition, the post structure may be damaged.
[4] To solve the above problems, several protective guards for post structures have been proposed. A representative example was proposed in Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 10-2004-0001560 (publication date: January 07, 2004), entitled 'PROTECTIVE GUARD FOR PROTECTING ELECTRIC POLES AND COUPLING DEVICE FOR THE PROTECTIVE GUARD'.
[5] However, because protecting the post structure is the major purpose of the conventional protective guards, including that of No. 10-2004-0001560, it does not sufficiently protect a person or a vehicle which collides with the post structure. Furthermore, there is a problem in that the protective guard mounted to the post structure worsens the appearance of a street.
[6] In an effort to overcome the problems experienced with the conventional protective guards, the inventor of the present invention proposed a protective guard in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-629163 (publication date: September 29, 2006), entitled 'PROTECTIVE GUARD PROVIDING VEGETATION HABITAT FOR ROADSIDE TREES OR ELECTRIC POLES'. The protective guard of No. 10-629163 has a structure that makes it possible to grow vegetation for improving the appearance of the road and ensures convenient management of the vegetation. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[7] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an impact absorption-type protective guard which is removably mounted around various kinds of post structures, such as electric poles or lampposts, which are placed at sides of roads, thus absorbing outside impacts, thereby protecting the post structure as well as a pedestrian, a driver and a vehicle causing the collision.
[8] Another object of the present invention is to provide an impact absorption-type protective guard for post structures which is harmonized with the appearance of a road.
[9] A further object of the present invention is to provide an impact absorption-type protective guard for post structures which draws the attention of drivers or pedestrians to the post structure and clearly indicates the boundary between the roadway and the sidewalk, thus enhancing traffic safety.
[10] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an impact absorption-type protective guard for post structures which prevents unauthorized advertising posters from being attached to the protective guard and permits the attachment of authorized advertising sheets, thus being usable as an effective advertising medium. Technical Solution
[11] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an impact absorption-type protective guard for post structures.
[12] The impact absorption-type protective guard of the present invention includes a plurality of elastic columns, a plurality of surrounding panels and a plurality of connection panels.
[13] The elastic columns are disposed around a post structure.
[14] Each surrounding panel is provided between adjacent elastic columns to surround the post structure. An impact absorption protrusion, which elastically contacts the post structure, is provided on the inner surface of each of the surrounding panels.
[15] The connection panels surround the respective elastic columns and couple the adjacent surrounding panels to each other, thus supporting the elastic columns around the post structure in cooperation with the surrounding panels.
[16] Preferably, a flowerpot support part may be provided in each elastic column to support a flowerpot. A water storage space may be formed below the flowerpot support part to contain water therein. A wick may be provided between the flowerpot and the water storage space to supply the water in the water storage space to the flowerpot.
[17] Preferably, an advertising sheet mounting unit may be provided on each of the surrounding panels, so that an advertising sheet can be removably mounted to the surrounding panel via the advertising sheet mounting unit.
[18] Preferably, a reflector may be formed on each of the connection panels to attract the
attention of a driver or a pedestrian and to indicate the boundary between a roadway and a sidewalk.
[19] Preferably, height adjustment units may be provided on lower ends of the surrounding panels and/or lower ends of the connection panels to adjust the height of the surrounding panels and the connection panels.
[20] Preferably, the impact absorption-type protective guard may further include a plurality of cover panels covering respective upper open spaces defined between the post structure, the elastic columns and the surrounding panels. Each cover panel may have a locking stopper to be held by the associated surrounding panel, and a water passing hole to guide water into the associated water storage space. The adjacent cover panels may be coupled to each other by a locking piece. Advantageous Effects
[21] The impact absorption-type protective guard for post structures according to the present invention has the following effects.
[22] First, the protective guard of the present invention forms an impact absorption area around a post structure, so that the protective guard effectively absorbs outside impact, thus protecting the post structure, as well as a pedestrian, a driver and a vehicle, from the outside impact.
[23] Second, the protective guard of the present invention has a flowerpot support, which serves as a flower stand, thus improving the appearance of a street. Furthermore, the protective guard has a water storage space, for holding rainwater, and a wick, thus making it easy to manage a flowerpot.
[24] Third, a reflector is provided in the protective guard, thus attracting the attention of drivers or pedestrians to the post structure, and making it possible to clearly indicate the boundary between the roadway and the sidewalk, thereby enhancing traffic safety.
[25] Fourth, the protective guard of the present invention further has an attachment preventing uneven surface and has an advertising sheet mounting unit, thus preventing unauthorized advertising posters from being attached to the protective guard while permitting the attachment of authorized advertising sheets. Thereby, the post structure having the protective guard of the present invention can be used as an effective advertising media.
[26] Fifth, the protective guard of the present invention surrounds the lower end of the post structure, such as an electric pole or a lamppost, which may leak electricity, thus preventing a pedestrian from directly contacting the post structure, thereby preventing electric shocks resulting from the leakage of electricity. Brief Description of the Drawings
[27] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an impact absorption-type protective
guard for post structures, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[28] FlG. 2 is a plan view of the protective guard according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[29] FlG. 3 is a plan view showing the installation of cover panels of the protective guard according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[30] FlG. 4 is a partially broken front view of the protective guard according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[31] FlG. 5 is partially detailed views showing the coupling structure between a surrounding panel and a connection panel, and showing a structure for mounting an advertisement sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[32] FlG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a height adjustment unit of the protective guard according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[33] FlG. 7 is a sectional view of the height adjustment unit of FlG. 6;
[34] FlG. 8 is a illustrative view showing the use of the protective guard according to the embodiment of the present invention; and
[35] FlG. 9 is another illustrative view showing the use of the protective guard according to the embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[36] Hereinafter, an impact absorption-type protective guard for post structures according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiment is only an illustrative example of the impact absorption-type protective guard of the present invention, and must not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present invention.
[37] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the impact absorption-type protective guard 1 according to the present invention is provided around the lower end of a post structure 2, such as an electric pole or a lamppost, which is mainly placed along a road, in order to absorb impact when a pedestrian or a vehicle collides with the post structure 2, thus protecting the pedestrian, the driver, the vehicle and the post structure 2. The protective guard 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of elastic columns 10, a plurality of surrounding panels 20 and a plurality of connection panels 30.
[38] The elastic columns 10 serve to absorb outside impact. Each elastic column 10 is made of elastic material, for example, styrofoam or urethane foam, which can eff iciently absorb outside impact. Preferably, the elastic columns 10 are placed upright around the post structure 2 such that they contact the circumferential outer surface of the post structure 2.
[39] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, three elastic columns 10 are placed around the post structure 2 at positions spaced apart from each other at regular angles
of 120°. However, two, four, five or more elastic columns 10 may be provided, yet it is most preferable that three elastic columns 10 be provided around the post structure 2.
[40] Furthermore, the diameter and the length of each elastic column 10 are determined depending on the size of the post structure 2 around which the protective guard 1 of the present invention is installed. For example, in the case where three elastic columns 10 are provided around a post structure 2 having a radius of 225 mm, each elastic column 10 preferably has a radius of approximately 90 mm, and preferably has a length of approximately 1,000 mm, which is slightly higher than that of bumpers of vehicles.
[41] In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, a flowerpot support part 11, on which a flowerpot 3 is supported, may be provided in the upper end of each elastic column 10. In this case, a water storage space 12, which contains therein water 4, for example, rainwater, may be formed below the flowerpot support part 11. Furthermore, a plurality of wicks 13, which extend from the flowerpot 3, may be provided in the water storage space 12 to supply water, contained in the water storage part 12, into the flowerpot 3 using osmotic pressure.
[42] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, each elastic column 10 made of styrofoam or urethane foam is a hollow casing, which is closed at the lower end thereof and is open at the upper end thereof, so that the hollow space thereof forms the water storage space 12 and the upper end thereof forms the flowerpot support part 11. The wicks 13, which extend from the flowerpot 3, are immersed into water 4 contained in the water storage space 12.
[43] Thanks to the structure of the elastic column 10, the protective guard 1 of the present invention can also serve as a flowerpot support, thus improving the appearance of the streets. Furthermore, because rainwater (water 4) is naturally supplied into the water storage space 12 and the contained water 4 is supplied to the flowerpot 3 through the wicks 13, the management of the flowerpot 3 can be conducted more efficiently.
[44] The surrounding panels 20 serve to mount the elastic columns 10 to the post structure 2 in cooperation with the connection panels 30. Preferably, each surrounding panel 20 is made of synthetic resin having elasticity. Each surrounding panel 20 is provided between the adjacent elastic columns 10. Thus, in the embodiment having the three elastic columns 10, three surrounding panels 20 are also provided.
[45] The surrounding panels 20 are disposed at predetermined positions such that each surrounding panel 20 surrounds portions of the adjacent elastic columns 10 and a portion of the post structure 2, and, thereafter, the surrounding panels 20 are coupled to each other by the connection panels 30. Then, the elastic columns 10 are fastened to the post structure 2.
[46] Meanwhile, a plurality of impact absorption protrusions 21 is provided on the inner surface of each surrounding panel 20. Preferably, an attachment preventing uneven
surface 22 is formed on the outer surface of each surrounding panel 20 to prevent an unauthorized advertisement poster from being attached to the protective guard 1.
[47] In the embodiment, the surrounding panel 20 is bent into a saw-toothed shape, and each saw-toothed part forms the impact absorption protrusion 21. The bottoms of the saw-toothed parts which form the main surface of the surrounding panel 20 do not form a single surface, but have a structure such that they are separated from each other by longitudinal slits 21a formed in the bottoms of respective saw-toothed parts. In the surrounding panel 20 having the above-mentioned structure, the saw-toothed impact absorption protrusions 21 serve to absorb outside impact. In addition, the saw-toothed impact absorption protrusions 21 elastically extend and contract, so that the width of the surrounding panel 20 can elastically vary within a permitted limit. Thanks to the use of the surrounding panels 20, the elastic columns 10 can be elastically fastened to the post structure 2.
[48] In the case where advertising posters are attached to the post structures 2 placed at sides of a street on which many people and vehicles travel, a relatively high advertising effect is expected. However, because such advertising posters deteriorate the appearance of the street, the attachment of unauthorized advertising posters is generally banned by law in locations other than permitted locations.
[49] However, despite the unlawfulness thereof, because a relatively high advertising effect can be exhibited at a low expense, unauthorized advertising posters, which deteriorate the appearance of streets, are often attached to post structures placed along the streets. Furthermore, the authorities supervising the post structures have to expend a lot of manpower and money to remove the unauthorized advertising posters.
[50] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the attachment preventing uneven surface 22 is formed by forming pointed protrusions on the outer surface of each surrounding panel 20, thus reducing the surface area on which an advertising poster can be attached. As such, because the outer surface of the surrounding panel 20 is formed as the attachment preventing uneven surface 22, it makes it difficult to attach an advertising poster to the surrounding panel 20 and, in addition, when an advertising poster is attached to the surrounding panel 20, it can be easily removed from the surrounding panel 20.
[51] Meanwhile, because the post structure 2, which is disposed along a street, is an effective advertising media, an advertising sheet may be attached to the post structure 2, if it is legal and falls within guidelines that ensure the good appearance of the street. To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an advertising sheet mounting unit 23, which removably holds an advertising sheet 5, is provided on each surrounding panel 20.
[52] The advertising sheet mounting unit 23 is not limited to a particular structure as long as it is constructed such that the advertising sheet 5 is removably mounted to the
surrounding panel 20 although the attachment preventing uneven surface 22 is formed on the surrounding panel 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, clip parts 23a are longitudinally provided at respective opposite sides on the outer surface of each surrounding panel 20, so that the advertising sheet 5 is inserted into gaps defined in the clip parts 23a, and is elastically held by the clip parts 23a. Here, a support protrusion 23b may be provided in each clip part 23a to hold the advertising sheet 5 more reliably. View A of FIG. 5 illustrates a clip part 23a holding a relatively thick advertising sheet 5. View B of FIG. 5 illustrates a clip part 23a holding a relatively thin advertising sheet 5.
[53] Meanwhile, each connection panel 30 surrounds the associated elastic column 10 and couples the adjacent surrounding panels 20 to each other. Thus, the connection panels 30 fasten the elastic columns 10 to the post structure 2 in cooperation with the surrounding panels 20. In the embodiment having the three elastic columns 10 and the three surrounding panels 20, three connection panels 30 are also provided.
[54] Preferably, each connection panel 30 may be attached to the associated elastic column 10 using an adhesive in order to increase the ability to fix the connection panel 30 to the elastic column 10. In addition, an attachment preventing uneven surface 31 may also be formed on the outer surface of each connection panel 30 to prevent unauthorized advertising posters from being attached to the connection panel 30.
[55] The coupling structure between the surrounding panel 20 and the connection panel
30 is not limited to a particular structure as long as they can be removably assembled with each other. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, assembly protrusions 24 are provided on respective opposite edges of each surrounding panel 20, and assembly grooves 32 are formed in respective opposite edges of each connection panel 30, so that the surrounding panels 20 and the connection panels 30 are coupled to each other by inserting the assembly protrusions 24 into the respective assembly grooves 32. Of course, assembly grooves may be formed in each surrounding panel 20, and assembly protrusions may be formed in each connection panel 30.
[56] In the embodiment, although the several surrounding panels 20 and the several connection panels 30 are illustrated as being separate members that are assembled together, the surrounding panels 20 and the connection panels 30 may be integrally manufactured into a single panel, or, alternatively, a single surrounding panel and a single connection panel may be integrally assembled with each other to form a single unit. Various such modifications are possible.
[57] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, reflectors 40 (for example, fluorescent substances, lights, mirrors, etc.) may be provided on each connection panel 30, thus attracting the attention of drivers or pedestrians, and making it possible to clearly indicate the boundary between the roadway and the sidewalk. In the embodiment, although obliquely oriented strips are illustratively used as the reflectors 40, which are formed
on the connection panels 30 to attract attention, reflectors having other shapes may be used. Furthermore, the reflector 40 may be integrated with the connection panel 30 or, alternatively, may be attached to the connection panel 30 after being manufactured through a separate process.
[58] Meanwhile, the post structures 2 may be set at a location which is not level, in other words, may be set on inclined ground. In this case, it is important to make the protective guard 1 level. For this, height adjustment units 50 are preferably provided on the lower ends of the surrounding panels 20 and/or the connection panels 30.
[59] The height adjustment unit 50 used in the present invention is not limited to a particular structure, as long as it can be adjusted in height to make the surrounding panels 20 and the connection panels 30, which are coupled to each other, level.
[60] In the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each height adjustment unit 50 includes a support member 51, which is fastened to each surrounding panel 20 and/or each connection panel 30 and has a circular latch 51a, and a rotatable support leg member 52, which has a circular latch 52a that rotatably engages with the circular latch 51a and has a longitudinal leg part 52b that extends from the circular latch 52a. The height adjustment unit 50 further includes a nut 54 and a bolt 53 which rotatably fasten the support leg member 52 to the support member 51. In the drawings, the reference numeral 55 denotes a backing block.
[61] To make the protective guard 1 level, each height adjustment unit 50 is rotated at an angle corresponding to the inclination of the portion of the ground where the height adjustment unit 50 is disposed. Thus, the protective guard 1 of the present invention can be maintained level.
[62] In the present invention having the elastic columns 10, the surrounding panels 20 and the connection panels 30, the elastic columns 10 are disposed at appropriate positions around the post structure 2, and the surrounding panels 20 and the connection panels 30 are assembled with each other and surround the elastic columns 10 and the post structure 2. Then, the elastic columns 10 are elastically fastened to the outer surface of the post structure 2.
[63] In the impact absorption-type protective guard 1 of the present invention having the above-mentioned construction, even if a vehicle or a pedestrian collides with the post structure 2 due to carelessness, the elastic columns 10 and the surrounding panels 20 absorb the impact in cooperation with each other. Therefore, the amount of impact transmitted to the pedestrian or the driver and the vehicle is reduced, and the post structure is prevented from being damaged.
[64] Meanwhile, spaces defined between the post structure 2, the elastic columns 10 and the surrounding panels 20 are open at upper ends thereof. Preferably, the protective guard 1 of the present invention further includes cover panels 60, which cover the
respective open spaces 6. In the embodiment having the three elastic columns 10 and the three surrounding panels 20, three cover panels 60 are also provided.
[65] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, each cover panel 60 has a shape corresponding to the open space 6 and includes on the lower end thereof locking stoppers 61, which are held by the impact absorption protrusions 21 of the associate surrounding panel 20. Furthermore, water passing holes 62, through which rainwater flows into the water storage space 12, are formed in the surface of the cover panel 60. The adjacent cover panels 60 are coupled to each other by a locking piece 63.
[66] As such, the present invention is provided with the cover panels 60 and the flowerpots 3, so that a good appearance is ensured in the upper end of the protective guard 1. Furthermore, because the cover panels 60 are coupled to each other by the locking pieces 63 and the cover panels 60 are held by the surrounding panels 20 through the locking stoppers 61, the surrounding panels 20, the connection panels 30 and the cover panels 60 can more reliably fasten the elastic columns 10 to the post structure 2.
[67] The impact absorption-type protective guard 1 of the present invention having the above-mentioned construction can be easily mounted to various kinds of post structures 2, such as lampposts or electric poles, which are placed at sides of roads, as shown in HGS. 8 and 9. Industrial Applicability
[68] As described above, an impact absorption-type protective guard according to the present invention effectively absorbs outside impact, thus protecting the post structure as well as a pedestrian, a driver and a vehicle from the outside impact.
[69] Furthermore, the protective guard of the present invention has a flowerpot support, which serves as a flower stand, thus improving the appearance of a street. As well, the protective guard has a water storage space for containing rainwater and a wick, thus making it easy to manage a flowerpot.
[70] In addition, a reflector is provided in the protective guard, thus drawing the attention of drivers and pedestrians to the post structure, and making it possible to clearly indicate the boundary between the roadway and the sidewalk, thereby enhancing traffic safety.
[71] Furthermore, the protective guard of the present invention further has an attachment preventing uneven surface and has an advertising sheet mounting unit, thus preventing unauthorized advertising posters from being attached to the protective guard while permitting the attachment of authorized advertising sheets. Thereby, the post structure having the protective guard of the present invention can be used as an effective advertising medium.
[72] Moreover, the protective guard of the present invention surrounds the lower end of the post structure, such as an electric pole or a lamppost, which may leak electricity, thus preventing a pedestrian from directly contacting the post structure, thereby preventing electric shocks caused by the leakage of electricity.